Reasons to Change Door Lock You can change your door lock for a variety of reasons, from upgrading the security of your home to re-decorating your entryway. You might also have to change locks if your key is stuck or is difficult to turn. DIY novices can easily modify their locks. Gather the materials needed to begin. Take off the lock that was previously used. Before installing a new lock it is necessary to remove the old one from the door. This step is especially important when you suspect that someone else has a key to your home. It could also be an excellent idea if have recently moved into a home and experienced a burglary or had a roommate move in. It's easier than you think to complete and can be completed in just a few minutes. Start by removing the screws holding the deadbolt faceplate onto the door frame. You'll have to take off the screws on both sides of the door to take off the faceplate. This will allow you to observe what's behind it, and will provide you with a better understanding of how to proceed with the rest of the steps. Once you have removed your old faceplate, then you need to remove the bolt and strike plate. Use a screwdriver or a wrench to loosen the bolt, and then remove it from the hole in the door. If the bolt is rusty you may have to use a chisel remove it. If you're using a chisel be cautious not to scratch the door frame. Before you take down the old lock, be sure that the new doorknob and deadbolt fit into the existing holes on the door. Many hardware stores and large box stores stock a range of locks, and can help you choose the right one. If the lock you bought does not match your door, take it back and ask for help. When https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/harrow-window-lock-repairs-near-me/ removing the old lock, search for small notches or depressions in the handle or around the trim. If you can find them, slide a straightened safety pin or a flat screwdriver into these to open the handle and expose the screws beneath. After removing the screw from the handle, you can begin to remove the knob. To do this, locate the set screw on the knob's base and loosen it. Then, take the spindle off. Install the new lock It's a great idea to change the locks on your doors frequently, especially if you have been the victim of a break-in. Changing the lock is an affordable, simple and effective way to ensure that your home is safe. The majority of people can do it by themselves using a screwdriver, a screwdriver, and some basic directions. Depending on the circumstances you might also want to learn how to reset a lock to ensure that you only have the key. To start the process, you must purchase an additional lock that matches your existing lock's keyway. Locksmiths are usually able to replace your lock at a cost but you can save money by doing it yourself. You can buy a new lock from hardware stores or on the internet. Standard deadbolts can be fitted to most doors. However, you'll need to measure your door to ensure that it fits. Most of the time your new lock will include the cardboard template that will show you how it will fit on the door. The template can be used to drill the hole. It's much simpler than measuring every time. If the template doesn't match to the hole you intend to drill you need to take it back to the hardware store and get a different one. It is essential to install the new lock on the right side of the door. You can confirm this by looking at the latch, which should be marked "up" or something similar. Check that the latch is properly placed within the latch plate then secure it using the screws provided. When replacing a knob lock be sure to pay attention to its handing. Most knob locks are left-handed, however there are a few that are right-handed. If you're not careful, you may install the knob on the wrong side of the door, which will hinder you from locking it from either the inside or the outside. When you're done testing the new lock to make sure it functions. It should be able to lock and unlock the door with keys from the inside as well as the outside. If you're not happy with the results you can call a locksmith to repair the issue. Test the lock A door lock that isn't able to be opened is a hassle and can be dangerous, it could also put your family's safety at risk. It's simple to fix the majority of problems with door locks by tackling the issue and lubrication. First, make sure that your key is properly cut and that the lock isn't soiled or loose. If this doesn't resolve the problem, you can try to lubricate the door lock actuator using powdered graphite or a silicone-based grease. Make sure that the door lock switch, the wiring harnesses, and the actuator connector are all functioning properly. To check this, consult the manual or wiring diagram to determine the purpose and color-coding of all door lock switch wires. Use a digital meter or test light to verify that the actuator is receiving power and ground whenever the switches are activated. If you notice the switches switch on and off with voltage it means that the switches are in good condition and the actuator is likely to require replacement. If the switch appears to work but the actuator does not move when you turn it, there could be a problem with the cylinder. The actuator cylinder is fitted with pins that are spring-loaded. They prevent the cylinder from moving until the key is inserted which then pushes them up to the same height as the key at that location. The cylinder will then begin to turn opening the lock body and allowing the handle latch. If the door lock actuator is still inoperable, you can remove the switch and wires from the actuator by using small screwdrivers to loosen the locking bolt and remove the plastic cover that houses the electrical connector. Then, disconnect the door lock actuator, and let it fall. Then, you should be able find and remove the two bolts that are holding the actuator in place. After the actuator has been removed, you'll be capable of disconnecting the black electrical connector and then pull it out along with the actuator and lock assembly. Replace the key Whether you have keys for your door knob or deadbolt, when it isn't working correctly, you should either change the lock's key or rekey it or replace it completely. This is not difficult and will save you money. But, before doing this, it's a good idea to have a locksmith examine the locks and check them for any issues. This will give you peace of mind that your home is safe and safe. Remove the exterior faceplate of the doorknob/deadbolt. If there are screws holding the faceplate, use a screwdriver and remove it. Next you can use a flat-head screwdriver to remove the inside faceplate. Once you have removed your faceplate you can pull out the bolt and screw from the lock cylinder. A locksmith can help determine if the existing lock needs to be replaced or rekeyed. They can also offer guidance on the most effective security measures for your home. They can also make the necessary adjustments to your door and frame to ensure a perfect fit. They also offer a guarantee on their work. If you choose to rekey the lock, you'll need to purchase the new key. It is essential to use the lock key that fits snugly. A key that is not properly fitted could cause damage to the mechanism inside and stop it from working. To determine the size of a key, insert it into the lock. If it fits perfectly with the plug, it's of the correct size. If the pins stick up from the top of the plug the plug, then they're too long. You might want to replace your door lock for many reasons, including: Rekeying a lock can be a cheaper option than replacing one if you are moving into the home of a previous owner or if your keys are missing. It's also less expensive than a complete replacement. However, there are certain situations in which rekeying your lock isn't feasible. For instance, if your lock is damaged or has been jammed repeatedly, it's likely time to replace it.